Master of Science in Earth Science

You can help meet the expanding need for individuals in the public and private sectors who can develop and implement environmental policies for the ever-changing 21st century. From groundwater to global warming, from recycling to pollution, the awareness of earth health is a growing interest from both a scientific and survival perspective.  Our Master of Science in Earth Science prepares teachers, environmental leaders, industry consultants, planners and others to manage community and natural resource concerns.

Master of Science in Earth Science

The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University offers the M.S. in Earth Science -- the only one of its kind on Long Island -- to provide graduate-level coursework in the study of the Earth that includes geology, meteorology, astronomy, geography and oceanography. Classes are taught by practicing scientists and C.W. Post professors who are active in their fields through research, writing and teaching.

The 32-credit program includes required courses in earth science and geology as well as includes that allow for flexibility in meeting certification requirements, employers’ needs and individual intellectual interests. The program, which can be completed in two years, is designed for working professionals who wish to obtain an advanced degree in the field and also for teachers who hold initial certification but need a master’s degree to secure permanent teacher certification in the State of New York. The program may also benefit fully certified teachers who wish to expand their fields of expertise.

Most of the department’s courses are offered during the evening to better accommodate your busy schedule.

Career Opportunities

Professionals who complete this program will be prepared for a wide-range of careers in Earth-related issues including those involving:

* Regional and urban planning

* Geographic Information Systems

* Geology

* Groundwater management

* Coastal management

* Oceanography

* Storm and other natural-disaster preparedness

* Waste management

* Local, state and national politics

New York State Teacher Certification

The program will satisfy certification requirements for graduates who are teachers who hold initial certification but need a master’s degree to secure permanent teacher certification in the State of New York. The program may also benefit fully certified teachers who wish to expand their field of certification. Students will also be able to use the degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. in Earth Science.

Special Note for Educators

The New York State Department of Education has increased the number of earth science credits required for certification from 18 to 24. This degree meets these certification requirements.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a natural science, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not meet these requirements are welcome to discuss their options for admission with the graduate advisor. 

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science in Earth Science must take a minimum of 32 credits as listed below. Students may choose to write a thesis or to take a comprehensive examination. The total number of credits required is the same but the courses differ as indicated below.

The Earth and Environmental Science Department recognizes that student backgrounds differ. Therefore, some students may not be required to take specific courses, but all students are required to complete 32 credits including either a thesis or comprehensive examination. To ensure both the quality of the education and serving student interests, students are required to meet with and obtain the approval of the program advisor in planning their courses of study.

Curriculum Plan

Required courses:  
ERS 513 Earth Environment 1 4 credits
ERS 514 Earth Environment 2 4 credits
   
Total required credits: 8 credits
   
Electives: (24 credits; 18 credits with thesis option)  
ERS 501 Mapping Environmental Data with GIS 3 credits
ERS 502 GIS Applications 3 credits
ERS 505 Natural Hazards 3 credits
ERS 515 Principles of Meteorology 3 credits
ERS 529/GLY 529  Global Climate Change 3 credits
GGR 518 Topics in Applied Conservation 3 credits
GLY 502 Earth History 3 credits
GLY 510 Oceanography 3 credits
GLY 511 Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics 3 credits
GLY 513 Marine Geology 3 or 4 credits
GLY 514 Marine Sedimentary Environments 3 credits
GLY 516 Physical Oceanography 3 credits
GLY 517  Geomorphology 3 credits
GLY 518 Ground Water Geology 3 credits
GLY 519 Coral Reef Geology 3 credits
GLY 520 Sedimentary Geology 3 credits
GLY 521 Stratigraphy 3 credits
GLY 523 Environmental Geochemistry 3 credits
GLY 526 Earth Materials 3 credits
GLY 533 Methods of Field Geology for Earth Science Teachers 3 credits
AST 501 Spherical and Elliptical Astronomy 3 credits
   
Students who choose the thesis option will take two courses:  
ERS 707 Thesis Research 3 credits
ERS 708 Thesis 3 credits

Students who do not choose the thesis option will take two courses from the choice of electives and are required to pass a comprehensive examination. If a student does not pass the comprehensive examination, he or she, at the discretion of the Department, may take the examination a second time. If the student fails a second time, the student may not receive the degree.

Total credits: 32 credits

The 32 credits include 8 required credits plus 24 elective credits; for the thesis option, 18 credits are chosen from the list of electives and 6 credits are the thesis research and thesis preparation course.

Admission Requirements

Student’s wishing to enroll in the M.S. program must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in natural science with a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, the faculty recognize that some students may be able to succeed in the program without a science background.  Students receive individual guidance from the faculty advisor.

Admissions Applications

Admissions Office
C.W. Post Campus
Long Island University
720 Northern Blvd.
Brookville, New York 11548-1130
Phone: (516) 299-2900
Fax: (516) 299-2137
Email: enroll@cwpost.liu.edu
Web: www.liu.edu/cwpost
Apply On-Line: www.liu.edu/postapp

General Contact Information

You are welcome to contact the Earth and Environmental Science Department or the graduate advisor, Dr. Margaret F. Boorstein:
Phone: 516-299-2318
Fax:  516-299-3945
E-mail: maboorst@liu.edu

 
Long Island University C.W. Post Campus